Förening

A förening is a Swedish term for a voluntary association of individuals or legal entities that come together to pursue a common interest, typically non-commercial. The concept covers different forms, most commonly ideella föreningar (non-profit associations) and ekonomiska föreningar (economic cooperatives), such as cultural clubs, sports clubs, or housing and consumer cooperatives.

A förening is usually formed by at least two founders who sign a founding document and hold a meeting to adopt the bylaws (stadgar). The bylaws define the association’s purpose, membership rules, financial arrangements, governance, and how the organization can be dissolved. The general meeting (föreningsstämma or årsstämma) is the highest decision-making body, where members vote on major matters, budgets, and board elections. The day-to-day management is handled by a board (styrelse) and, depending on size, a chair (ordförande) who leads the work. Many associations appoint an auditor or use external bookkeeping to ensure accountability.

Finances typically come from membership fees, activity income, donations, and subsidies. Accounting and reporting requirements vary with the form and size of the organization. Legally, many föreningar are recognized as independent legal entities that can own property, sign contracts, and sue or be sued in the association’s name. For activities with commercial or regulatory implications, an ekonomisk förening or another formal arrangement may be more appropriate and involve stricter governance and reporting requirements. Dissolution occurs when members vote to disband, with remaining assets distributed according to the bylaws and applicable law.